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The Paradox of the Cross
The Romans used the cross as a merciless method of execution. Crucifixion embodied the cruelest form of torture, shame, and Roman brutality. Yet, we Christians see the cross as a symbol of hope. Because of the cross, we have the promise of eternal life in heaven, a place prepared for those who trust Jesus’ atoning blood, shed for us. Have you…
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Fools in Fiction
My brave girl’s quest is a fool’s errand, but I’m proud of her spirit. – Abram Abernathy, The Revisionary Fool. The word can be a loaded insult or a joking comment. It can have the intent to correct or ring with resigned sadness. In The Revisionary, Portia’s father describes her plan to rescue Darius as a “fool’s errand,” and in doing…
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The Revisionary Cover: An Unlikely Story
We all like unwrapping presents on our birthdays. For my birthday this year, I wanted to “unwrap” something my readers could enjoy with me. So, I asked my editor Marji if I could share my new book cover with my readers today, and she said yes! I can’t wait to share the story “inside” the cover with you on June…
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Faith that Moves
The follow post first appeared in the spring issue of Girlz 4 Christ magazine. I felt burdened to write it after moving at the end of last year and hope it will be a blessing to you, in whatever stage or place you find yourself. For more encouragement and inspiration on godly topics for teen girls, visit Girlz 4 Christ online. Moving.…
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4 Countdowns for YA Fiction Fans
We Americans like a good countdown. We count as the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. Students (and teachers) count the days to summer break. Couples count their calendars for the “big day” or a baby’s arrival. In Florida’s Space Coast, people visit Cape Canaveral and wait hours for a front row seat at a shuttle launch. (To date, I haven’t experienced a…
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3 Freeing Truths to Fight Busyness
If you’ve been joining me here for a while, you might remember my keyword for 2017: Simplicity. How’s that going for me? I’ll admit: not the way I’d planned. Truth is that I’m busier than ever. In fact, each month adds something new to my never-ending list. Maybe you can relate. How do we fight against the bully of busyness?…
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Street Stewardship: Our Calling and God’s Commission
As some of you know, I moved at the end of last year. After the mad rush to pack, clean, shuffle, and then repeat, I’ve settled into a cozy little place. And a bit of complacency. Do I really need to paint that room? Nope. Can I live without a pull-down attic access? Yep. Gutters? Maybe this summer. There’s nothing wrong…
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Character Profile: Portia Abernathy
Do you have a favorite fictional character? If you solved the trivia quiz from a few weeks back, you discovered one of mine. Portia is Shakespeare’s heroine in his comedy, The Merchant of Venice. This rich heiress of Belmont faces (what she believes to be) a miserable problem: she cannot choose whom she will marry. Her late father set up a…
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Trust and Obey
My grandmother’s favorite hymn was “Trust and Obey.” As a little girl, I liked the hymn just because she did. Now that she’s gone, its beautiful simplicity and her memory endear it even more to me. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus. Sometimes, however, that faith gets tried with fire. As a missionary…
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Grateful Giveaways & Book Specials
This week, the Florida Christian Writers’ Conference starts! Several years ago, I discovered this conference and am so grateful I did. If you’re a writer and would like to learn more how conferences can help you in your craft, visit my For Writers page. Each year, I usually leave this conference sleep-deprived but with my cup “brimming over.” I’ve made amazing friends…
